Glamping opportunities near Kootenai, Idaho range from lakeside tents to luxury cabins set against the backdrop of northern Idaho's forested terrain. The area sits at elevations averaging 2,100 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping patterns with summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F during day and cooling to 45-55°F at night. Winter campers should prepare for temperatures that regularly drop below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Lake activities: Round Lake State Park: The lake provides multiple recreational opportunities beyond just swimming. "The highlight of the trip was definitely the beautiful lake, which provided a serene backdrop for the entire stay. There is a lovely trail around the lake and an extensive set of trails heading up into the mountain behind the lake as well as a trail to a pond with a dam which is quite peaceful," notes Jason S.
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can catch various fish species in the area lakes. At Round Lake State Park, one visitor reported, "I had a great time casting off from them and even caught a couple of crappies and trout which was a nice bonus." The docks provide convenient fishing access without needing a boat.
Hiking trails: The region offers numerous well-maintained trails suitable for different skill levels. A visitor at Farragut State Park commented, "Gorgeous area, well run and maintained. Large lake, lots of trails, could easily make an extended stay here." Many trails follow lakeshores or connect to nearby wilderness areas.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many glamping spots maintain higher standards than traditional campgrounds. At Round Lake, Cody H. observed, "All sites are very large, covered in shade, and plenty of flat ground for a tent if that's your jam. Clean bathrooms, showers, and friendly staff. Can't go wrong!"
Educational opportunities: Some locations offer learning experiences alongside luxury accommodations. Heather M. from Round Lake State Park mentioned, "The camp visitor center has a cool place for kids to learn about the wildlife in the area with foot prints in sand, bird calls, samples of the different types of trees and more."
Proximity to attractions: Many luxury camping options serve as convenient bases for regional attractions. Danielle P. noted about Round Lake, "We stay here every summer. Enjoy the lake and it's only 20 mins from Silverwood theme park." This proximity makes glamping spots practical for mixed itineraries.
What you should know
Seasonal operation limitations: Most luxury camping operations close during winter months. Nic F. reported about winter camping at Round Lake: "Swung by here yesterday (late Dec) after calling to confirm hookups were still functional. There was only one hookup spot plowed, and it's connectivity was not stable."
Site layout considerations: Glamping layouts vary significantly between properties. At Camp Coeur D Alene, Daniel S. observed, "Literally something for everyone here. I like more off the beaten path camp grounds myself. Still you can't win them all." Their review highlights the sometimes dense arrangement of luxury sites.
Road noise factors: Despite remote settings, some properties experience traffic noise. Jason S. noted at Round Lake, "One downside was some road noise, which occasionally disrupted the peaceful atmosphere, especially in the evenings. It wasn't overwhelming, but it was noticeable enough to mention."
Tips for camping with families
Check entertainment options: Facilities often provide family-friendly activities beyond standard camping. Julie M. from Camp Coeur D Alene shared, "We showed up May 1st, the first day they opened! The campground has beautiful treed sites with lots of amenities. They are redoing the pool, and the bathrooms are very clean."
Consider tent size restrictions: Some sites have limited space despite marketing as family-friendly. Alex W. cautioned about Round Lake: "We stayed in a tent only spot - spot 17 I think. The spot was somewhat small. I'd say the largest tent it would accommodate is an 8 person cabin tent. Also the end of the site is slightly slanted."
Look for wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy animal sightings. According to Julie M., Camp Coeur D Alene has "nearby wildlife, including a resident moose. We didn't get to see her but enjoyed looking." These natural encounters create memorable family experiences.
Tips from RVers
Electrical reliability checks: Always verify hookup stability, especially in shoulder seasons. At Travel America RV Park, Terry S. reported, "Management is easy to work with, facilities are kept clean, and price is good!" — making it a reliable option for RVers needing consistent power.
Site spacing awareness: Some luxury RV sites offer minimal privacy despite higher costs. Lance C. noted about Garfield Bay Campground: "Very small spaces and tight quarters. Not for very big rvs at all. Spaces aren't very level." Always verify your RV size against site specifications.
Access road conditions: Some glamping destinations have challenging access roads. At Blue Lake RV Resort, a reviewer cautioned about "pot holes, dirt road, train noise and turn off from the 95," suggesting visitors with larger rigs scout approaches before committing to reservations.
